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Honey Bake Ham

A classic dish combining the sweet richness of honey with savory baked ham, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 7-8 pounds half spiral cut ham Choose a bone-in smoked ham for best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar

Spices

  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Choose a high-quality bone-in spiral ham that is fully cooked and labeled as smoked.
  • Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the oven rack in the lower third of your oven.
  • Unwrap the ham and remove any netting and plastic cap over the bone. Place the ham flat-side down in a roasting pan.
  • In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard and 1/3 cup of honey until syrupy.
  • Massage the honey glaze all over the ham, working it into the spiral cuts.
  • Pour about 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan and cover the ham with foil.

Baking

  • Bake at 325°F for about 2 hours and 20 minutes or about 20 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
  • After baking, let the ham cool outside the oven for 15-20 minutes with the foil on.

Making the Dry Rub

  • Mix 1.5 cups of granulated sugar with the spices (nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, paprika, ginger, allspice) to make a dry rub.
  • Pour half of the sugar mixture into a rimmed baking sheet and set the other half aside.
  • Uncover the ham, brush any pan juices onto it if the edges are dry, then roll the ham in the sugar mixture until coated.

Finishing Touch

  • Using a kitchen torch, hold the flame about an inch away to melt the sugar coating until shiny and crackly.
  • For the serving glaze, combine the remaining sugar mixture with the drippings or water in a saucepan, stir and boil for 2-5 minutes to thicken.
  • Serve the ham immediately or keep warm in the oven at 170°F covered with foil.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent drying out.
Keyword Baked Ham, Holiday Ham, Honey Bake Ham, Honey Glaze, Spiral Cut Ham